Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Love is in the air, folks! Valentine's Day is coming up fast and many are still without plans. With the help of OpenTable, I've compiled a list of the best Boston Restaurants for you to enjoy with your sweetheart this Friday! Browse through the special offerings and find the best restaurant for you.

1. The Coolest

51 Lincoln | American (New) | Newton

This is my favorite one! 51 Lincoln is offering a 7 course tasting menu based on the 7 deadly sins. How cool is that?? I cannot get over it - What an interesting and clever idea for Valentine's Day. You have the option to order all 7 dishes ($80) or individual ones a la carte.

2. The Traditional

Gem | Italian | Downtown Crossing

For those who favor a more traditional meal, Gem is offering a four-course Italian dinner menu, accompanied by a bottle of wine or prosecco ($95/couple). First course is your choice of cesar or panzanella insalata, followed by your choice of appetizer. The third course is your choice of 2 entrees, followed by dessert.

3. The Romantic

Nubar | American (New) | Cambridge

Nubar in Cambridge is offering a romantic prix-fixe dinner, from 5pm - 11pm that includes a long stem rose, one glass of bubbles, amouse bouche, 4 courses, and chocolate truffles for $65 per person.

Friday, February 7, 2014

For our one year anniversary, Nick surprised me with tickets to the symphony and an unbelievable dinner at Deuxave. The Boston Pops was performing their holiday series, complete with instrumentals and a professional actor playing out the Polar Express, as well as a holiday sing-a-long! It was a gorgeous auditory adventure.

But the night's adventures began long before the orchestra. Leading up to the symphony, we enjoyed an amazing culinary experience at Deuxave in Boston's Back Bay! Deuxave is a swanky restaurant specializing in New American cuisine. Take a look at our ridiculous, delicious courses for the night:

Deuxave

“Night Moves” Scituate Lobster with Gnocchi

To start, we ordered the “Night Moves” Scituate Lobster with Gnocchi. This meal was as scrumptious as it was bright and colorful! with Potato Gnocchi, Mushrooms, Green Grapes, Curried Walnuts & Pearl Onions in a Citrus Fricassee. You know that phrase "the food of the gods?" Well, this is it.

“Night Moves” Scituate Lobster with Gnocchi

The consistency of the gnocchi was unbeatable - just the right amount of give and resistance, and the lobster was full of flavor. The pearl onions were like a crunchy candy, offering their beautiful fuchsia hue to the dish.

I'm not a fan of pâté (something about the consistency that I can't quite wrap my head around), but if you're going to have it, Deuxave is the place. Coupled with the vanilla pears, chutney, and pickled onions, all on a perfectly toasted baguette, it's an extraordinary treat.

Contrary to what it's name suggests, the Spiced Duck had subtle sweet hints. Coupled with the lentil du poy, each bite of duck was exquisite. I enjoyed the presentation as well - the sauce detail skewers through the prunes and turnips in a very clever way.

Tuna Tartare (Main)

Nick ordered the Tuna Tartare, which came with a side of brussel sprouts and tangerines. I loved the bright presentation of his plate - from the exciting canary yellow to the deep pink tuna, with green accents of brussel sprouts. It was a work of art.

Chocolate Truffles

We were too stuffed for a full dessert plate, but Deuxave still took care of our after-dinner sweet tooth with these adorable chocolate truffles. Bonus Points!

I absolutely recommend Deuxave for a special night out. You get high quality food and unpretentious service. Don't forget to try the lobster gnocchi!